FAQ's

Q: How many times should I get my teeth examined and cleaned a year?
A:
You should get your teeth cleaned twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.

Q: How often should I brush my teeth?
A:
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently.

Q: How often should I floss?
A:
You should floss once a day. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gum line.

Q: What is plaque?
A:
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that covers the teeth after meals and snacks. If plaque is not removed with daily brushing and flossing, it can eventually harden into calculus or tartar.

Q: How can I tell if I have gingivitis or gum disease?
A:
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don't know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Q: At what age should I bring my child for his or her first visit?
A:
You should start bringing your child to the dentist between the ages of 2 1/2 or 3 years old.

Q: What are sealants?
A:
Sealants are clear or tooth colored material that is placed on the biting surface of 6 and 12 year old children's molars.

Q: Are sealants just for children?
A:
Children and teenagers are the obvious candidates for sealants, because the likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life. Although, some adults can benefit from sealants as well.

Q: What is Fluoride?
A:
It's an oral treatment in the form of varnish that is painted on the teeth or a foam placed in a tray that is inserted into the mouth for 1-2 minutes. This is used to strengthen the tooth enamel.

Q: What is a Cavity?
A:
A cavity is a decayed lesion or hole in a tooth, usually caused by a diet, which includes sugar and allows bacteria to grow into the tooth enamel.

Q: What is a crown? (Cap)
A:
A crown is a restoration that covers, or caps a tooth to restore it to its normal shape or size.

Q: What does abscess mean?
A:
Abscess is a localized infection in the bone or soft gum tissues, usually at the end of the root tip. Root Canal is the treatment for abscess.

Q: Does every crowned tooth need Root Canal Treatment?
A:
No, there are many reasons for your tooth to be crowned.

It supports a large filling when there's not enough tooth remaining.

To restore fractured teeth

To cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.

To cover a dental implant.

To close spaces in the dental arch.

Q: Do all Root Canal Teeth need to be crowned?
A:
Yes, a tooth that has a Root Canal treatment becomes brittle. You need the support of a crown so your tooth doesn't fracture.

Q: When wearing a temporary crown, (while waiting for your permanent crown) and it comes off, what should I do?
A:
You should place Vaseline in your crown and place it back on your tooth, then call us to recement it. The temporary crown is holding the space for the permanent crown, if it comes off for any amount of time, your teeth will move, space will close, and then it will be hard for the permanent crown to fit.

Q: When would you ever extract a tooth?
A:
The only time that you should ever get a tooth extracted is if your tooth is severely decayed, fractured into the roots, loose or causing crowding. Most of the time all wisdom teeth are extracted. Wisdom teeth can develop cysts and cause decay or resorbtion on your 2nd molars.

Q: What are Wisdom Teeth?
A:
They are the third set of molars, the last teeth to come in. For many people, wisdom teeth become impacted and must be removed by an oral surgeon.

Q: Why is it important to replace missing teeth?
A:
Because nearby teeth may tilt into the emply space, teeth need to hit teeth in the opposite jaw to hold them in place. Missing teeth can also result in deterioration of the jawbone that can change how the lips and cheeks are supported.

Q: Why should a night guard be worn?
A:
A night guard should be worn because it minimizes the effect of grinding the teeth at night. Night guards can also prevent pain in the joints associated with the jaw, as well as preventing headaches and muscle pain, from grinding.